New Year's Fitness in Harford County: Gyms, Rec Centers and Trails

by Josh Tessier

Want to get moving in the new year without leaving Harford County? Here are three places to start: the Ward Y in Abingdon, a Harford County Parks and Recreation fitness center membership, or the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air and Forest Hill.

1. The Ward Y in Abingdon

The Y in Central Maryland lists one family center in Harford County, the Ward Y.

Address: 101 Walter Ward Blvd., Abingdon, MD 21009
Phone: 410-679-9622
Hours: Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Child watch (Stay & Play): Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to noon and 4:30 to 8 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon and 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Help paying: the Y's Open Doors Savings can help lower the monthly membership rate for those who qualify by income. Ask the Y how to apply.

Prices change, so check with the Y before you go.

2. County rec center fitness memberships

Harford County Parks and Recreation sells an adult fitness center membership (ages 18 and up) through its online catalog. The county says memberships are available at six recreation centers, and one membership lets you use all of the county's Parks and Recreation fitness centers during posted hours.

Check the current price, sign-up dates and which centers are included in the county's online catalog, or call Harford County at 410-638-3000 and ask for Parks and Recreation.

3. The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail

Prefer to work out outside? The Ma & Pa Heritage Trail is a rail-trail in Bel Air and Forest Hill. TrailLink describes boardwalk, crushed stone and dirt surfaces, with some tight turns and short, steep climbs. Check the current trail map for its full length. The trail's own site says it is open sunrise to dusk all year.

Parking: Williams Street and West Ellendale Street in Bel Air, Edgeley Grove and Annie's Playground (864 Smith Ln.), and Friends Community Park in Forest Hill (37 E. Jarrettsville Rd.).

Want more trails? See my winter hiking trails guide. Thinking about the area? Read about living in Forest Hill.

Pick what fits your routine

Compare hours, location and cost, and pick the option closest to your home or work.

FAQ

Is there a YMCA in Harford County?

Yes. The Ward Y is at 101 Walter Ward Blvd. in Abingdon. Call 410-679-9622.

What are the Ward Y's hours?

Monday to Friday 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., per the Y's website.

Does the YMCA offer financial help?

Yes. The Y in Central Maryland's Open Doors Savings can help lower the monthly membership rate for those who qualify by income.

Does Harford County have public fitness centers?

Yes. Parks and Recreation sells an adult (18+) fitness center membership that covers the county's six recreation center fitness rooms. Check the online catalog, or call Harford County at 410-638-3000 and ask for Parks and Recreation, for the current price.

What is the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail like?

It runs through Bel Air and Forest Hill, with boardwalk, crushed stone and dirt surfaces. Check the current trail map for its full length.

About the author: Josh Tessier is a Harford County REALTOR® with the Lee Tessier Team at eXp Realty, based in Bel Air. He has been licensed in real estate since 2011, and the Lee Tessier Team has sold 5,900+ homes. He lives in Harford County and is raising his family here. Call or text (443) 617-2099.

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